vault Meaning & Definition
What Does Vault Mean?
Vault is used as a noun meaning an arched structure of masonry usually forming a ceiling or roof. It can also mean something (such as the sky) resembling a vault. As a verb, it means to form or cover with or as if with a vault. As a verb, it means to leap vigorously.
Word Facts for Vault
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈvȯlt/ |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | overleap, bank vault and burial vault |
| Plural | vaults |
| Verb forms | vaults, vaulting, vaulted |
Vault Definition (Noun)
- an arched structure of masonry usually forming a ceiling or roof
- something (such as the sky) resembling a vault
- an arched or dome-shaped anatomical structure
the cranial vault
- a space covered by an arched structure
- an underground passage or room
- an underground storage compartment
- a room or compartment for the safekeeping of valuables
- a burial chamber
- a prefabricated container usually of metal or concrete into which a casket is placed at burial
Vault as a Verb
- to form or cover with or as if with a vault : arch
Verb
- to leap vigorously
- to execute a leap using the hands or a pole
- to do or achieve something as if by a leap
vaulted to sudden prominence
- to leap over
- to leap over by or as if by aid of the hands or a pole
Noun
- an act of vaulting : leap
Synonyms of Vault
Vault synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Vault
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Vault in a Sentence
The decoration of the vault of Sainte-Chapelle was much brighter before its 19th-century restoration.
The stalactites held tightly to the cave's vault.
Family members had been buried in the vault for centuries.
The fugitive vaulted over the fence to escape.
The fugitive vaulted the fence to escape.
The bank kept their money safe in a large vault.
the cranial vault
vaulted to sudden prominence
archaeologists were thrilled to discover an ancient vault that hadn't been looted by grave robbers
a vault over the car's hood by the frightened deer
vaulted over the obstacle with ease
Word Forms & Grammar
vaulty adjective
vault
vaultier
vaultiest
vaults
vaulty
vault·ed
vault·ing
vaulted
vaulting
vault (plural vaults)
vault (third-person singular simple present vaults, present participle vaulting, simple past and past participle vaulted)
Words That Rhyme With Vault
Origin of Vault
Origin 1: Middle English vaute, voute, borrowed from Anglo-French voute, volte, going back to Vulgar Latin *volvita "turn, arched structure," noun derivative from feminine of *volvitus, re-formation of Latin volūtus, past participle of volvere "to travel (a circular course), bring round, roll" wallow:1
Origin 2: Middle English vowten, borrowed from Anglo-French vouter, verbal derivative of voute vault:1
Origin 3: probably borrowed from Middle French vouster "to turn about (on horseback), wheel, prance," going back to Vulgar Latin *volvitāre, frequentative of Latin volvere "to travel (a circular course), bring round, roll" wallow:1
Origin 4: noun derivative of vault:3
Origin 5: From Middle English vaute, vowte, from Old French volte (modern voûte), from Vulgar Latin *volta < *volvita or *volŭta, a regularization of Latin volūta (compare modern volute (“spire”)), the past participle of volvere (“roll, turn”). Cognate with Spanish vuelta (“turn”) and Portuguese volta ("turn"). Doublet of volute. Displaced native Old English hwealf.
Origin 6: Borrowed from Middle French volter (“to turn or spin around; to frolic”), borrowed from Italian voltare, itself from a Vulgar Latin frequentative form of Latin volvere; later assimilated to Etymology 1, above.
First Known Use
14th century
1538i
1576
How to Pronounce Vault
The standard pronunciation of vault is /ˈvȯlt/, spoken in 1 syllable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vault
Is vault a noun or a verb?
Vault is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for vault?
Close synonyms of vault are overleap, bank vault and burial vault. See the full list of vault synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of vault?
The plural of vault is vaults.
What is the past tense of vault?
The past tense of vault is vaulted. The present participle is vaulting.